BY MAX KHUDIAKOV
Economic Development Administrator
Los Alamos County
My name is Maksim “Max” Khudiakov. Last month, I joined the Los Alamos County Community Development Department as the new Economic Development Administrator. I am excited to be part of the Los Alamos County team, spearheading the County’s economic development efforts.
I have more than 8 years of experience in local economic development, with extensive experience designing and implementing award-winning economic development programs, which were recognized with the 2025 Gold and Silver Awards for Excellence in Economic Development by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Prior to joining Los Alamos County, I served as the Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the Town of Red River, NM, where I focused on small business development, downtown revitalization, tourism development, and housing programs. I have also worked in non-profit economic development organizations in business development and economic development marketing capacities, and owned and operated several retail and service-based businesses.
On the formal educational side, I have a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the IEDC. Currently, there are only slightly over 20 active CEcDs in New Mexico, with just over 1,200 nationally. I have a BA in English and Communications and am currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of New Mexico.
My main area of focus in my role will be implementing the County Council’s Strategic Leadership Priorities and the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan, particularly small business development and downtown revitalization. In my opinion, the business retention and expansion activities are the core of any successful economic development program. Many studies have concluded that up to 80% of all business growth comes from existing businesses. I am excited to be working with the County’s economic development partners to support the local business community.
In the next couple of months, I will be visiting the County businesses to get to know the business community and their needs better. Also, the Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation is organizing a Meet & Greet event with me in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned!
I believe that it is vitally important for any economic developer to work and live in the same community. It allows for a hyper-local understanding of the community’s needs. As a result, my spouse and I have recently moved to Los Alamos with our fur-babies. We are excited to get to know the community better and become a part of it.
I am looking forward to meeting and working with the Los Alamos County elected officials and staff, the county business community, and residents! In the meantime, I can be reached at maksim.khudiakov@losalamosnm.